TAILOR MADE
Carved into a hillside sits a structure perfectly complementing the well-dressed home across the street. Affectionately called “The Carriage House” by the homeowners, it shelters a five-bay luxury garage topped with an upper level office and balcony.
Carriage House, however, was not the first name. It’s also been dubbed the “Man Cave,” “Garage-Mahal,” and lastly, in a wink to The Little Rascals, “He-Man, Woman-Haters Club.” The Carriage House started out as an eviction of sorts. In the main house, the homeowner’s upstairs office was an island of dark mahogany and strong rustic features in a home otherwise defined by its bright, airy feel, gentle patterns, and coastal New England sentiment.
“That office, with a balcony, looked right out on the lake,” says the homeowner’s wife. “I decided it needed to be a bedroom so I kicked him out!” To be fair, the couple always had a vision of building a garage across the street to house the homeowner’s
exotic sports car collection. It was the perfect opportunity to create a new office space.
The homeowner called Frank Page, Owner and Visionary of Cutri Construction, the same company that handled the original home’s renovation. “We knew Page would take copious notes, respect every aspect of the project, and deliver exactly what we wanted,” says the homeowner.
Cutri’s history with the main home began with its inception under different homeowners. When the current owners purchased it, they wanted a bright, lakeside abode. Cutri renovated the kitchen and sitting room area “to create a more open space that was better oriented for capturing the lake view. Painting, redecorating, flooring, and furniture selections completed the indoor transformation. The gray and white cedar shake exterior worked with the interior’s new style. Cutri remade the front entrance; and per the husband’s request, added an arch to emulate the existing arched portico.
The Carriage House’s New England exterior matches the main residence across the street. The arched entrance to the main residence? You’ll see an arch above the Carriage House’s roofline off the upper-level office balcony. The siding and exterior color selections are identical. The style coordination, however, is strictly
limited to the exterior. The Carriage House’s entry point is through the garage and it marks an immediate transition of style. It’s a clear statement. You’ve just
entered a territory designed for the fellows.
Elegant lights hang down, illuminating the cars. Framed hockey jerseys adorn the walls. Going upstairs you emerge into the office – a luxurious retreat, smartly designed with a masculine sensibility.
A custom hickory floor supports lavish mahogany features – a large desk and commanding bar. The hammered copper bar counter and sink provide a contrast in natural materials. A dark, studded leather sofa and a swivel armchair are situated around the fireplace whose stone-tiled surround mimics the patina of aged copper. Wood beams against a white ceiling accentuate strong, roofline angles.
“It’s a place men would love to go and have a glass of Scotch,” says the homeowner.
The homeowner sits in the chair, enjoys the fire then swivels around to take in the lake view off the balcony. “It has an immediate, relaxing effect,” he says.
And in case you ever doubted you were in a space made for boys, just go into the bathroom. “What man cave would be complete without a urinal?” asks the homeowner.
Page sums it up best. He says, “It’s custom made for the homeowner like a fine-tailored suit right down to the tiniest details.”